The Role

We are seeking a seasoned leader to own the end-to-end execution of a state-wide, technology-enabled Recykal programme — collection, return and recovery of post-consumer packaging across thousands of retail touchpoints and partners — with full P&L; accountability for state operations.

Core Mandate

- End-to-end state-wide operations against agreed SLAs and KPIs
- Full P&L; accountability for state operations and unit economics
- Primary operational interface with government and partners
- Building and leading a large, distributed operations team

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

- Build and run state-wide reverse logistics operations
- Set up collection points, hubs and processors
- Drive SOPs, SLAs and performance dashboards

Commercials and Financial Ownership

- Own the state P&L;, budget and unit costs
- Run deposit and refund reconciliation and payouts
- Negotiate logistics, recycler and vendor contracts

Government and Stakeholder Management

- Be the senior operational face with government departments
- Manage brand, retail, logistics and recycler partners
- Represent Recykal in reviews, audits and forums

People Leadership

- Lead regional managers and field teams
- Set goals and build a strong performance culture
- Build capability and succession depth

Technology and Data

- Deploy tracking and refund platforms with the Tech team
- Use data to fix bottlenecks and lift participation
- Enforce controls to prevent fraud and leakage





Compliance and Risk

- Ensure environmental, EPR, labour and safety compliance
- Run audit mechanisms across sites and partners
- Maintain programme integrity and transparency

Success Metrics

- Collection network live across all planned districts
- Return rate and recovery targets met
- Operations delivered within budget and cost per unit
- Zero leakage, full compliance and audit readiness
- SLAs and turnaround times consistently on target

Experience required

- 10–12 years in operations, supply chain, logistics or reverse logistics, including 5+ years leading multi-location operations
- Proven record of setting up and rapidly scaling operations with government bodies or PPP programmes
- Background in reverse logistics, waste management, recycling, FMCG distribution or retail networks
- Exposure to deposit-return, container take-back or reverse vending programmes is a strong advantage
- Fluent in Tamil and English, with solid knowledge of Tamil Nadu's geography
- MBA or engineering degree preferred

Leadership Traits We Value

- Operational Excellence
- Ownership to Outcomes
- Stakeholder Influence
- Data-Driven Judgement
- Team Building at Scale

Why This Role

- Lead one of India's most impactful sustainability programmes
- Full ownership of state operations and its P&L;
- Direct visibility to Recykal's leadership
- Shape how circular economy systems work at scale

📌 General Manager Operations (Chennai)
🏢 Recykal.com
📍 Chennai